2023 Mazda CX-9 Sparkplugs

[SunnynHollister]

I need to change the spark plugs on my wife's 2023 Mazda CX-9. I prefer using the OEM sparkplugs but they want $35+ each for them. Any reason not to use NGK from RockAuto?

Thanks!

 

[Number_35]

I need to change the spark plugs on my wife's 2023 Mazda CX-9. I prefer using the OEM sparkplugs but they want $35+ each for them. Any reason not to use NGK from RockAuto?

Thanks!

Who makes the factory plugs for Mazda? I would guess NGK or Denso.

I wonder whether this is a case where there's a significant difference between the OE plugs and aftermarket replacements by the same manufacturer.

There was a recent discussion here about a Euro engine (Mercedes?) which ran poorly on aftermarket Bosch replacements, but ran well again after those plugs were replaced with (seemingly identical) Bosch plugs from the dealer.

 

[oldcodger]

Have you checked to see what is installed in the vehicle? Very well could be a top brand plug. I would have no fear of using either Denso or NGK.

 

[JohnnyG]

Who makes the factory plugs for Mazda? I would guess NGK or Denso.

I wonder whether this is a case where there's a significant difference between the OE plugs and aftermarket replacements by the same manufacturer.

There was a recent discussion here about a Euro engine (Mercedes?) which ran poorly on aftermarket Bosch replacements, but ran well again after those plugs were replaced with (seemingly identical) Bosch plugs from the dealer.

I've heard, but cannot prove that Mercedes factory plugs are "indexed" so that the plug gap faces a certain way when properly torqued.
I think the gap opening faces the intake valves.

 

[pbm]

I wouldn't hesitate using NGK or Denso plugs in your Mazda....just make sure they aren't counterfeit by buying them from a reputable source (I think RA would be reputable but be careful using EBay).

I installed Autolite Iridium plugs in my in-laws Mazda CX-5 about 50k ago and it's running fine.

 

[SunnynHollister]

Have you checked to see what is installed in the vehicle? Very well could be a top brand plug. I would have no fear of using either Denso or NGK.

I really didn't want to pull the plug without a replacement on hand. I'm superstitious that way.

 

[FZ1]

I need to change the spark plugs on my wife's 2023 Mazda CX-9. I prefer using the OEM sparkplugs but they want $35+ each for them. Any reason not to use NGK from RockAuto?

Thanks

I need to change the spark plugs on my wife's 2023 Mazda CX-9. I prefer using the OEM sparkplugs but they want $35+ each for them. Any reason not to use NGK from RockAuto?

Thanks!

Too much. Check Walmart. WM delivers to your door if total is over $35.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

https://www.amazon.com/Sephile-BKR5...5863------------4&vehicleName=2022+Mazda+CX-9

 

[researcher]

I need to change the spark plugs on my wife's 2023 Mazda CX-9. I prefer using the OEM sparkplugs but they want $35+ each for them. Any reason not to use NGK from RockAuto?

Thanks!

I ran into this with my friend's 16 CX-5. Here's what I found.. Mazda's plugs are much more expensive than the NGK aftermarket. Yes NGK was what was installed at the factory. In the service manual, Mazda talks about making sure the resistance is between a certain value. Why? Because Mazda does something unique in that they use the spark plug as a sensor, it measures the ionic charge inside the combustion chamber. It allows the computer to calculate the performance/efficiency more accurately. All SkyActic engines have this feature and it's not marketing, it's an actual thing.

So that's why the Mazda spark plugs are more money, when most people have tested the factory plugs they're on the lower range of the specification for resistance.

However, no one has discovered any difference when using NGK's aftermarket NGK Laser spark plugs, the resistance I measured was only about 800ohms more than the factory I pulled out. Well within the specified range, since the computer only looks at the difference in ohms inside the combustion chamber. No performance difference when using the aftermarket NGK plugs, and much cheaper!

Conclusion: You're safe using genuine (of course not counterfeit) NGK Laster (platinum side electrode/iridium tipped) spark plugs in your Mazda engine. NGK Laser is the model used from the factory.

Buying from Rockauto I don't do anymore, you could check out NAPA, they have sales when you buy 2 or more items, you'll need 4 plugs so might be not that much more than RockAuto.

 

[The Critic]

I ran into this with my friend's 16 CX-5. Here's what I found.. Mazda's plugs are much more expensive than the NGK aftermarket. Yes NGK was what was installed at the factory. In the service manual, Mazda talks about making sure the resistance is between a certain value. Why? Because Mazda does something unique in that they use the spark plug as a sensor, it measures the ionic charge inside the combustion chamber. It allows the computer to calculate the performance/efficiency more accurately. All SkyActic engines have this feature and it's not marketing, it's an actual thing.

BMW does the same thing - N55 engines are somewhat notorious for having issues with aftermarket plugs for this reason.

 

[researcher]

BMW does the same thing - N55 engines are somewhat notorious for having issues with aftermarket plugs for this reason.

Thanks for the info about BMW.. It's a very cool idea that I discovered looking at the plugs on the SkyActiv engine design. Luckily Mazda was more forgiving with their design having aftermarket plugs work normally.

 

[GaryMX5]

Rockauto carries the NGK plugs for just over 13.00 ea as well.

 

[pbm]

I ran into this with my friend's 16 CX-5. Here's what I found.. Mazda's plugs are much more expensive than the NGK aftermarket. Yes NGK was what was installed at the factory. In the service manual, Mazda talks about making sure the resistance is between a certain value. Why? Because Mazda does something unique in that they use the spark plug as a sensor, it measures the ionic charge inside the combustion chamber. It allows the computer to calculate the performance/efficiency more accurately. All SkyActic engines have this feature and it's not marketing, it's an actual thing.

So that's why the Mazda spark plugs are more money, when most people have tested the factory plugs they're on the lower range of the specification for resistance.

However, no one has discovered any difference when using NGK's aftermarket NGK Laser spark plugs, the resistance I measured was only about 800ohms more than the factory I pulled out. Well within the specified range, since the computer only looks at the difference in ohms inside the combustion chamber. No performance difference when using the aftermarket NGK plugs, and much cheaper!

Conclusion: You're safe using genuine (of course not counterfeit) NGK Laster (platinum side electrode/iridium tipped) spark plugs in your Mazda engine. NGK Laser is the model used from the factory.

Buying from Rockauto I don't do anymore, you could check out NAPA, they have sales when you buy 2 or more items, you'll need 4 plugs so might be not that much more than RockAuto.

That's interesting. I've already purchased NGK Ruthenium plugs to install in our CX -30 when it hits about 80K (currently at about 72K). I'll tell my daughter to note any difference in MPG, drivability etc....Do you by chance know the 'resistance' of the Ruthenium plugs?

 

[SunnynHollister]

Since I'm still under warranty I might just bite the bullet and get the OEM units. On the next change I'll use NGK or Denso.

Thanks

 

[Drifter]

NGK and Rockauto are both great choices, Never a problem with either one.

 

[researcher]

That's interesting. I've already purchased NGK Ruthenium plugs to install in our CX -30 when it hits about 80K (currently at about 72K). I'll tell my daughter to note any difference in MPG, drivability etc....Do you by chance know the 'resistance' of the Ruthenium plugs?

no I don't have Ruthenium plugs, you could take a multimeter, set it to ohms and measure the resistance if your daughter isn't too far away to test it, or she could if she had a multimeter. You measure between the top electrode (above the white porcelain) and the center electrode.

I just looked at the Mazda CX-5 service manual it said the measured resistance should be between 3000 and 7500 ohms or 3.5-7.5k Ohms.

yes keep us updated on how it goes.

 

[Urshurak776]

Why do you need new plugs in a 2023?

 

[nomas]

Why do you need new plugs in a 2023?

My question as well . My wife's 2012 had original plugs at 143k .

 

[SunnynHollister]

My question as well . My wife's 2012 had original plugs at 143k .

Owners manual says replace every 40K miles

 

[Jason2007]

I replaced the OEM plugs in my 2021 CX-30 a couple months ago at 50k. I installed the Ruthenium plugs and it does produce a little better MPG and the engine is more responsive.